Speedsters Dave Scott and Clint Gonsalves thrilled the hundreds of fans who attended the annual Lake Mainstay Regatta on Sunday.
Both daredevils were simply a step above their opponents pushing their machines to the max in the bid to secure lucrative cash prizes and the yearlong bragging rights.
The Flash: Clint Gonsalves was simply too fast for his opponents
In category A Scott’s high-powered boat, nicknamed Jaguar suffered a defeat to Pomeroon’s Neil Gonsalves in the first open race but the Bartician rebounded strongly in his other races winning both five- lap 200HP events. He passed the finish line some distances ahead of his opponents to win the $70,000 prize. Gonsalves came second while Jose Jardine finished in third to win $50,000 and $40, 000 respectively.
The final open race of the day was arguably the one that brought goose bumps to the fans since it contained both life threatening accidents and fantastic racing. Scott took the lead in the six-lap affair but his moments of joy where short-lived since Neil Gonsalves blazed pass on the second turn to take the lead.
It then became a cat and mouse affair with the two aggressive driving. Tragedy struck in the penultimate lap when Neil’s boat capsized.
Though he came out un-hurt he was not able to participate in the restarted race which carried a first place purse of $100,000. Second eventually went to Jardine ($80,0000) and third Danny Benjamin ($60,000).
In category B, Clint disposed easily of his nearest rivals winning the 40 HP and 90 HP events and the Orin Belle Memorial.
The novelty event such as the open water swimming was won by National swimmer Doris Williams, followed by Lloyd Ward and Sanjeev Ramdeen in second and third place respectively.
After the races, fans were treated to a stage show with several local and regional artistes. Organisers have hailed the success of the event and are planning to have a bigger and better version in 2018. (Akeem Greene)
